Senate Fails to Pass Government Spending Package, Partial Shutdown Begins
In a setback for the Biden administration, the Senate was unable to pass a $1.2 trillion government spending package on Friday, resulting in a partial government shutdown. The package had been approved by the House earlier in the day.
The failure to reach a deal between Republicans and Democrats came as the parties disagreed on whether to consider several amendments to the bills. These disagreements prevented the bills from being passed before the midnight deadline. However, there appeared to be a breakthrough in negotiations late Friday night, with senators returning to the floor.
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer announced that an agreement had been reached just minutes before midnight, but several amendment votes were expected to take place first. The House had passed the appropriations measures earlier in the day, although most Republican representatives voted against the package.
Senate Republicans expressed their dissatisfaction with the spending bills, refusing to allow them to pass quickly unless Democrats agreed to vote on several amendments related to the southern border and illegal immigration. Democrats, on the other hand, were unwilling to vote on GOP-requested amendments that could potentially pass with bipartisan support.
The government is now technically in a partial shutdown, but the full effects may not be felt until Monday, as the shutdown occurred outside of work hours and ahead of the weekend. If a spending package is not passed by then, certain departments and agencies, including Defense, Homeland Security, Labor, Health and Human Services, Financial Services, General Government, the legislative branch, and State and Foreign Operations, will be affected.
However, other areas of the government have already been funded through a previous package passed on March 8. The affected departments and agencies will shut down, but essential functions and roles will continue to operate. Workers in these positions will not be paid during the government funding lapse.
It is crucial for Congress to pass appropriations to resume full government functions. Until then, certain essential services, such as TSA operations and active-duty military duties, will continue to ensure national security.
The failure to pass the spending package highlights the deep divisions between Republicans and Democrats on key issues, such as immigration and border security. As the shutdown continues, the Biden administration will face increasing pressure to find a resolution and ensure the smooth functioning of the government.
